The contractions didn't start until early the next morning. Maura had called Dr. Filer and the hospital that night to let them know Jane's water had broken. Then they ate a light dinner and went to bed. It was just before five when Jane was woken by lower back pain, more than the usual ache of discomfort. Is this it? Maura was still asleep and the pain went away quickly. Jane went back to sleep.

A little after five, Jane woke again to the same dull stab as earlier. There it is again. She shifted her hips, trying to ease it, and soon it ended. She went back to sleep.

The same thing happened at a quarter to six (This isn't so bad) and a few minutes after six (This is getting old). When she woke at 6:30 (I guess I'm not sleeping in today), she debated waking Maura. At 6:48 (At least I got a few hours of sleep), she debated getting up. Then Maura rolled onto her side and wrapped her arm around Jane. Jane closed her eyes again.

The pain at 7:02 caused her to arch her back (Don't wake her), and at 7:18 (I take it back, you can stay) she tensed up enough that Maura held her tighter.

"Is it happening?" Maura murmured, her eyes still closed.

Jane nodded. "Yeah. I think so."

Maura removed herself from Jane, lifting her upper body onto her forearms. Her face glowed like a kid on Christmas morning.

Jane laughed. "You are sadistic." She pulled Maura back to her.

Maura snuggled in. "Does it hurt very much?"

"No. Not very much."

"How many have you had? How often?"

"They started around five. Every fifteen or twenty minutes. I didn't want to wake you."

"You're sweet."

"Don't tell."

Maura took a few deep breaths to fully wake up, then she scooted down to talk to Echo. "We're ready for you, little one. We love you." Still smiling, she kissed Jane and told her, "I'm so proud of you."

Jane smiled, but her brow wrinkled in confusion. "I haven't done anything yet."

Maura was sitting up now, stretching her arms over her head. It raised her pajama shirt up to reveal her belly button. "Yes, you have." Maura put her arms down; one hand rested on Jane's shoulder. "Think back to nine months ago. Where you were, what you were doing. How you felt. A lot has changed since then. You did that."

"You did that."

Maura's eyes squinted with her smile. She nodded. "We did that." She kissed Jane again.

Jane smiled back. It felt good, love. She stretched her own arms over her head and mentally prepared herself for the day. "Ok, boss. What's the plan?"

Maura grinned. She liked her new nickname. She grabbed her phone and started entering information. "You said they started around five this morning? Every fifteen to twenty minutes apart?" Jane nodded. "And the last one was," she glanced at the clock, "about 7:20?"

"Yeah, something like that."

Maura's mouth twisted to the side. She wanted more accurate information. "Well, we'll just have to start keeping track at the next one."

"You're kidding. There's an app for that?"

"There's at least six apps for that."

Jane laughed.

"Next contraction, let me know when it begins and when it ends, and how much pain you're in, on a scale from one to ten," Maura instructed. "The app will keep track of how you're progressing and tell us when it's time to go to the hospital."

"Ok, boss."

Next, Maura used her stethoscope to check the baby's heart rate, finding it within the normal range, and recorded that in her phone as well. Having taken care of all her medical duties for the moment, she checked in with Jane again. "While in early labor, you should try to sleep and eat normally. Once we're in active labor at the hospital, they won't let you eat and there will be too many distractions to sleep much, if at all. You're going to need your energy later on."

Jane nodded. She liked bossy Maura. Bossy Maura was cute. And reassuring. A small piece of Jane wondered if labor wouldn't be as bad as everyone made it seem. The contractions weren't that bad so far. She knew they would get stronger, but she would have some pain relief later on at the hospital. Jane admitted to herself that she didn't really know what to expect. She probably should have paid better attention in that birthing class or read a book about it or something. It was comforting to know that Maura had done all those things and was there for her, making up for her deficits.

It was as if Maura could read her mind. "It's going to get harder, Jane. Labor can last a long time, and even when it doesn't, it's exhausting." She found Jane's hand and held it. "Anything you need, I'm here for you."

Jane nodded again, then shifted her hips. "I have to pee."

Maura laughed. "Easy enough. Do you need help?"

"No, I got it." She slowly pushed herself up and started toward the bathroom. "But you should probably tell Ma that labor has started. And ask her to make some pancakes. I'm gonna be hungry in about five minutes."

Maura grabbed her phone and composed a text. Labor has begun. Contractions 15-20 minutes apart. Will update with progress and if/when you are needed. She sent it to nine different numbers. Then she sent one only to Angela, Your granddaughter would like pancakes.

Angela made baby bunny pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast. She was smiling ear to ear as she piled up the baby bunnies on a plate. Jane drowned them in syrup and cut their ears off. Baby bunnies were delicious. Then she dragged some bacon through the extra syrup and ate that, too.

There was one contraction while Jane was eating, and Angela started to go to her, to help. She wanted to hug the pain away but Maura got there first, blocking her. "Angela, we may need to cancel Sunday dinner tonight. Jane has requested privacy during labor and if we're still home, she won't want to have everyone over."

Angela leaned to look around Maura at Jane, whose contraction had ended. Instead of a grimace of pain, her face was contorted into the look of a child about to be caught doing something she shouldn't. Her eyes were wide and her lips were pulled between her teeth. But Angela wasn't angry. She'd known for several weeks now that Jane wanted her privacy and that Maura would make sure she got it.

They'd had a talk, and as much as Angela wanted to be involved, Maura explained that the labor would be easier without any excitement. That was the word she'd used, excitement. Angela knew she really meant stress, and it hurt at first, but as she'd gotten to thinking about it, and after she'd conferred with Constance, she decided Maura was right. The last thing Jane needed was everyone hovering around her. Not that Angela was everyone. She was Jane's mother, for goodness sake. A little hovering might have done her some good.

If Maura hadn't been there, physically blocking her way, Angela would have thought differently. She would have insisted on staying and pampering and holding Jane's hand when she was in pain. But she didn't have to. Maura would do that.

Angela nodded, tacitly welcoming Maura into her role in Jane's life. She took a few steps back and saw both women relax a little. "We'll improvise if we need to." She turned back to the sink and started washing dishes. "It would still be good to get everyone together, even if you two can't make it. We could go to Rino's. Maybe we'll bring you back some ravioli."

Angela's back was to them, but she could hear the relief on Jane's voice. "Thanks, Ma."

Walking was supposed to help labor progress, and Jane wanted to get outside while she still could. She and Maura brought Jo Friday and ambled down the streets of Beacon Hill toward the common.

"We have to remember to get someone to feed and walk Jo while we're at the hospital." Jane held the leash while Maura (wearing her purple latex gloves) bent over and used an inverted plastic bag to pick up the poop.

"Tommy will be happy to do it." Maura tied the bag shut, removed the glove from one hand, and held them both out from her body with the remaining gloved hand as they continued walking.

"Good idea. I'll call him when we get home." Jane picked up Maura's free hand.

"No need, I've already enlisted him." Maura smiled, proud of herself. "He's going to stay at the house while we're out and take care of the animals. I thought that would be best, so our mothers would be free to come and go."

"Oh. Great. As long as he leaves when we come home."

"Of course."

"You think of everything, don't you?"

"I try."

They continued walking in silence for another block, then stopped at the corner. Jane closed one eye and the whole side of her face scrunched up. She squeezed Maura's hand.

"Now?" Maura was holding the baggie in the other hand and panicked because she didn't have a free hand to pull out her phone.

Jane nodded. It hadn't felt like a full fifteen minutes since the last one, right before they left the house. A few more seconds and she relaxed again. "Can we sit down for a minute?" She nodded to a nearby set of steps.

They sat and Maura removed her other glove, inverting it and leaving it on the baggie so she could pick it up again and still only touch the inside of the glove. Then she pulled out her phone to record the contraction. "Was that one stronger than the last?"

"I don't know. Maybe." Jane wasn't paying attention. She was gazing down the street. Her neck was long and her eyes were narrowed, like she'd noticed something suspicious.

Maura sent a text. We're ok. Just resting. Take a lap.

Jane watched a car pass them and make a complete stop at the corner. "Maura. Is that Frankie?"

"Hmmm?"

The car turned right and was out of sight.

"That car. That was Frankie, wasn't it? In an unmarked. Why is he following us, Maura?" Jane didn't know whether to be angry or amused.

"Just in case." Maura shrugged. Jane raised her eyebrows in question. "In case we need a ride home." Jane laughed. "These are steep hills, Jane. I don't want you to overexert yourself. And neither does he."

Jane laughed again. "Well, now that I know I have an emergency ride, I think we should go all the way to Newbury Street." She slapped Maura's thigh and hoisted herself to standing.

Maura shook her head seriously as she stood. "Oh, no, Jane, that's much too far."

"I heard there's a sale at Madura."

"Really?"

"No, not really."

They made it home safely, Frankie trailing them the whole time and waving goodbye as they reached the front door. The contractions were closing in on ten minutes apart and the baby's heart rate was still normal. They relaxed on the cuddle chair, Jane's head in Maura's lap. Jane scanned her options on Netflix while Maura texted an update to their herd.

Once Jane made her selection (a nature documentary that would be easy to fall asleep to), she snuggled a little closer and closed her eyes. She found Maura's hands and put one on her lower back, her arm draped along her shoulder, and the other on her temple. Maura rested her head against the back of the chair and petted Jane's hair.

Maura wasn't paying attention to the show. She wasn't thinking, either. Her eyes had closed and she was aware of her breathing and the feel of Jane's hair on her fingertips, but that was it. Her meditative state was interrupted by Jane's head pressing harder on her legs. She looked down and Jane was grimacing, her eyes still closed. Maura wished she could take on the pain. Hold her so tight that it would leave Jane's body and move into Maura's instead. She wished there were something she could do to make this easier.

"Don't stop," Jane whispered. Her hand covered Maura's and pressed it down on her forehead.

Maura's fingers gently traced the wrinkles there, smoothing them. Her fingernails tickled the roots of her hair and the heel of her hand pressed into her temple.

"And here," Jane's hand moved to her back, where Maura's other hand was resting.

Maura pressed into the muscle at the small of Jane's back and heard her take a deep breath. It was over, for now. Maura recorded it and left her phone out on the arm rest. She reminded herself to pay better attention.

The next one was just over ten minutes later and Maura noticed it right away. She held on and petted and pressed and thought maybe that helped just a little bit. Jane seemed to fall asleep.

Jane slept for over an hour. She awoke warm and refreshed, but her contractions had slowed to every twelve minutes. She was motivated to get them going again. Instead of another walk, she opted for some time in her workout room. Maura gave her the baby monitor, a bottle of water to help stay hydrated, and some privacy while she made them sandwiches for a late lunch.

Jane put some music on and pretended to hit her punching bag man, but the drive just wasn't there.

Maura found her on her knees, her elbows resting on the big fitness ball. She rushed in, thinking something was wrong. "Jane! Is it too much? Should I call Doctor Filer?" She put the plates down and reached into her pocket for the phone.

Jane laughed. "No, no, it's ok. I'm fine. I'm just stretching." She sat back on her heels. "It takes some of the pressure off my back."

Maura sat cross-legged and breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh. I was worried."

"It's really not that bad, Maur."

"We could go to the hospital early. Because your fetal membranes ruptured prematurely, they probably wouldn't send us home. They might give you an epidural before active labor begins."

"Really. It's ok. I'm not being brave." Jane rolled forward onto the ball again. "But I do like it when you rub my back."

Maura took the hint. They sat in silence for some time, listening to Jane's workout music. There was a contraction, but it wasn't bad. Jane wagged her butt side to side while Maura rubbed her back. When it was over, Maura spoke. "Jane?"

"Yeah."

"What do you want to remember about today?"

Jane looked over her shoulder at Maura. "Sometimes I think you're the weirdest person I know."

Maura gave her a look of admonishment but otherwise ignored the retort. "Your mother has stories about your birth, and your brothers', too. Hope had a story about me, even though she'd tried to forget it. Do you want to remember any of it?"

Jane rested her forehead on the ball again. She closed her eyes. She could feel the cramping begin again. "Another one." Maura's fingers pressed into her back, deepening the curve and tilting her pelvis. When it was over, Jane had an answer. "I want to remember all the ways you love me." She spoke into the ball. "I want to remember how you take care of me. How lucky I am to have you here."

Maura bent over and hugged Jane from behind. She pushed up the hem of Jane's shirt and kissed Jane's back.

"What do you want to remember?"

Maura's hands felt their way around Jane's ribs and her fingertips only just met at Jane's navel. "That you let me."

Jane looked back over her shoulder with a slight smile. Maura returned it.

The afternoon seemed to go by at an excruciating crawl. The contractions grew stronger and more frequent and there was nothing to do but feel them. Jane kept shifting positions, trying to find something comfortable, but of course nothing was. Maura's hands on her back were the only thing that made it better. Jane's workout music played on repeat and they kept hearing the same songs over and over again.

Somehow, even after having slept most of the night, and that long nap, Jane was exhausted. It didn't make any sense. The contractions weren't unbearable. They were uncomfortable, for sure. It was cramping and aching and pressure and just when she was beginning to forget how hard the last one was, another would come. Jane started to lose perspective. It felt like she had been doing this for days, weeks, months, and it would never end. And in reality it had been less than twelve hours.

She had also begun to lose her filter. Her rational mind knew Maura was there to help, that she was helping, and that Jane needed her. But sometimes it was too much. Maura would be quiet and gentle and understanding and Jane's mind would go places it shouldn't. It would go to I can't and disappointment and in the line of duty and better off. Her mind would push and pull and fight with itself, and Jane's hands and words would do the same. Don't touch me and Don't go.

Maura would obey. She'd stand on the other side of the room or out in the hallway, waiting for Jane to change her mind and plead for her to return. When she did, Jane could see fresh tears had been wiped away. She was trying to be stoic and Jane was breaking her.

Guilt-ridden, Jane would try to be better. "It's not that bad," it's going to get worse. "I'm ok," as long as you're with me. "It's better when you rub my back," because I know I'm not alone. Jane was strong-minded and Maura's genuine smile fortified her. She could do this. If she could just keep the negative thoughts at bay, it wouldn't be so hard.

Maura suggested they try taking some photos. They were still in early labor and it was only going to get more stressful as labor progressed. Maura assured Jane that Constance would be quiet and stay out of the way. After twelve hours of labor, Jane didn't really care what Constance did or didn't do. She waved her hand in acquiescence, closed her eyes, and tried to find a way to move her hips to lessen the pressure.

When Constance arrived, she saw the wrinkle between Maura's eyebrows and the dried tears in the corners of her eyes. She checked in with Jane, who seemed to be coping well enough, then brought Maura out into the hallway to whisper, "Why don't you take a few minutes to rest? I can stay with her for as long as you need."

"I don't want to leave her." She looked over her shoulder into the room. "I promised I wouldn't leave."

Constance didn't know what overcame her. She saw worry and fear in her daughter's normally bright eyes and couldn't stop herself. She pulled Maura into a long hug. Maura shed silent tears on her mother's shoulder and let everything go.

Constance spoke into Maura's hair. "Jane is so protective of you, darling. She loves you so much. And I know you love her, too." Maura nodded, her face still hidden. Constance stroked the back of Maura's head. "You need to take care of yourself, sweetheart, so you can take care of her." Finally Maura pulled her head away from her mother's shoulder and looked her in the eye. "I'll stay with her," Constance assured her. Maura nodded, then turned back to Jane.

Jane was having another contraction and when she heard Maura approaching she held out her hand. Maura grabbed it and squeezed. When it subsided, Jane opened her eyes and saw the apology on Maura's face. It hurt more than the contraction. "I'm ok, Maura." She nodded and attempted a smile. "Take a break."

"I won't, if you want me to stay."

"I want you to rest." She pulled off a more convincing smile. "One of us should."

Maura bent over and kissed Jane twice. She looked into her eyes and tried to discern if Jane was being honest or noble. Maybe it was a little of both. Maura kissed her once more, then stood. She picked up the baby monitor receiver and stopped in the doorway. She hated to leave, but she knew just a few minutes would refresh her. She told her mother, "She likes it when you rub her back." When I rub her back.

Constance stayed through two more contractions, trying to comfort Jane when she needed it, taking photos when she didn't. She tried not to be intrusive, but she found she liked the close-up photos the best. Jane's hand on her belly. Both hands clasped as if in prayer. The heel of her hand stroking her eyebrow. The bones of her neck peeking through wild hair as she bent her head forward.

After the second, Jane looked to the ceiling and Constance got a shot of her craned neck. Jane was really quite beautiful in a raw, almost androgynous way. To Constance's surprise, pregnancy hadn't feminized her at all. She was magnificent.

Jane saw Constance watching her and said, "It's not that bad." One hand rubbed her belly while she stirred her hips on the ball.

"You must have a very high tolerance for pain," Constance began. She held the camera in both hands and adjusted the settings, trying to decide if she should let Jane have her load of bollocks. "I've never given birth myself and I haven't been present during anyone else's labor." She looked up at Jane again. She was weary. Constance decided against decorum. "But even I don't believe you."

Jane held Constance's gaze for as long as she could. It was no wonder Maura got hives; there was no hiding anything from this woman. But something about those piercing blue eyes made her feel as though there was no reason to hide. Acceptance. Understanding. It was a kind of affection Jane wasn't used to. Reserved and distant, but affection all the same. Jane crumbled. With one exhale, she bent forward, head in hands. "I don't know if I can do this."

Constance slipped off her shoes and knelt on the mat, sitting back on her heels. She put the camera aside and waited.

Jane felt like a train barreling down a dark tunnel, not knowing what obstacles lay in her path, and without an escape route for when she encountered them. It didn't matter if she could get through labor, mother a child, be everything Maura needed. She'd put herself on that train eight months ago and there was no turning back.

"Jane." Constance's soft but clear voice brought her back to the room. "You're not alone."

She felt tears well up and tried to smile. "I know." She hadn't been alone, not once, since she asked Maura for help. A true smile grew when she remembered Maura's face that day, in the moment she realized what Jane was asking. It was how Jane knew she had made the right decision. "I, um." Jane shook her head and wiped the tears away before they could fall. "I thought about having an abortion, when I first found out." She shrugged. "I'm not mother material, you know?"

"What made you decide not to?"

Jane ran a hand through her hair. She would need to put it in a ponytail soon, but she didn't have an elastic nearby. Maura would have one. "I wanted to do something good. Joyful. I wanted to be more than just a homicide detective."

"Maura says you're a very good homicide detective." Constance held up the camera, asking permission to take more photos.

Jane nodded, agreeing to more photos and taking the compliment at the same time. "Maura makes me better." She rubbed circles on her belly. "She makes me believe." Jane breathed deeply, as if inhaling Maura's confidence. She sat a little taller and looked Constance in the eye. "I should thank you for her."

Constance smiled ruefully. "Maura was my good fortune, too. I never intended to be a mother."

Jane tilted her head, asking for more. A story. A distraction.

"I was pregnant, before Maura." Her expression was resolute, unabashed. "I had an abortion." She paused to adjust the settings on the camera again. "I was lucky; I had money. I was able to travel to New York, one of the few places where it was legal and safe at the time."

"Do you regret it?"

Constance shook her head. "No. It wasn't that I was too young. I was recently married and I had all the support one could want or need. I just didn't want to be a mother. I despised the societal norm that assumed all women should. I felt that having that baby would have meant giving up too much of life." Jane nodded, understanding the sentiment. "A few years later, I found Maura and my outlook changed. I was more comfortable. Less of an activist. And here was this child who needed me. I didn't know I wanted her until I had her, and then I couldn't imagine life without her." Constance punctuated the end of her story with a sigh.

Jane sat back, rolling the ball under her. "I feel the same way." About both of them.

Constance tilted her head, looking deeper. "You can't chase her away, you know." Jane nodded uncertainly. Constance pressed further. "No one expects this to be easy for you."

Jane rolled her shoulders. Constance had a weird way of making her feel nervous and calmed at the same time. She changed the subject. "You can show my Ma the pictures. If she wants to see them." Constance nodded, accepting Jane's deflection. "It's probably killing her not to be here."

Constance chuckled. "She's a bit of a busybody, isn't she?"

Jane laughed for real. "Yeah, you could say that." Jane shook her head in amusement. "I love her. It's just. I can't deal with her right now."

"I think she understands that. It doesn't mean she's going to stop cooking meals for you to reheat over the next few weeks."

Jane wanted to laugh again, but another contraction was starting. She closed her eyes and balled her hands into fists.

Tentatively, Constance scooted forward enough to put her hand over one of Jane's.

Jane took a shuddering breath in and held it. When she felt a light squeeze of her hand she unraveled and emitted a sob the likes of which she hadn't unleashed since Korsak carried her out of a basement in Western Massachusetts. It echoed down the hall and doubly through a speaker and ejected Maura from where she lay, propelling her into the room and depositing her on the floor in front of Jane. Jane rolled forward into her arms. "It hurts, Maura."

Maura knelt before her and held her closely, cooing. "I know, darling, I'm here." Jane tensed and Maura held her tighter, refusing to be pushed away when she knew she was needed.

The rest of the afternoon felt like progress. Maura's respite recharged her and she came back with confidence and ideas. She convinced Jane to walk around the house between contractions and she was a physical and emotional support during them. Jane didn't want to eat, but she choked down a banana and some yogurt; it could have been a placebo effect, but it felt like the nourishment helped her endure the ache. And when it seemed like there was nothing else in the world but cramps and pressure, Maura tried to distract her with fun facts and stories.

Everything began to crumble around seven in the evening. Angela and Constance had already left for dinner at Rino's with the rest of the family. The contractions were stronger and lasted longer and took all of Jane's energy and focus. She would sit on the fitness ball and rock. She wouldn't eat, she wouldn't walk, she wouldn't try rhythmic breathing. She didn't want a cool towel or a hot compress. She didn't want a back massage. The only comfort she'd accept was Maura's hand on her back, unmoving, while she sat and clenched her fists and held her breath. It was like she'd shut down.

They kept coming, her pains, and each one felt like it was ripping at Maura's heart. Jane had endured so much pain in her life; Maura hated to see her feel any more. But when she suggested they go to the hospital early and request pain relief, Jane was adamant. "I'm not going to the hospital."

After a particularly difficult one, Maura stepped out of the room to collect herself. She called Doctor Filer, who reassured her that everything that was happening was normal. She encouraged Maura to continue to check the baby's heartbeat and take breaks when she needed them. Jane would know when she was ready to go to the hospital and until then, she'd be more comfortable at home.

A few more—they were less than five minutes apart now—and Maura began to panic. She wanted Angela to come home. She wanted her mother to tell her that everything would be fine. But nobody at the restaurant was answering their phones; it must have been too loud.

Maura called Hope. She arrived quickly and sprang into action. Hope had participated in several births abroad, she explained. With limited medical equipment and almost no modern technology, she'd learned a few ways to assess the situation. She talked to Jane and found her lucid but curt. In Hope's experience, Jane had always been a bit combative, so the hostile way she spoke to Hope during labor was no surprise. Hope took it in stride and got the information she needed. There was no bleeding and there were no signs of infection.

She witnessed a few contractions. When the third one had finished, she addressed Jane. "You're doing very well. Your contractions are becoming more frequent and soon it will be time to go to the hospital." Jane growled. Maura looked at Hope with worry in her eyes. "Jane, a warm bath may help ease the pain. Would you like to try that?"

Jane's head lolled from side to side and her eyes searched the ceiling as she considered it, finally deciding, "Ok."

Maura took off to start the water running.

"Make it warm, not hot," Hope called after her, then explained to Jane, "If it's too hot, it may cause labor to stall."

Ten minutes later, Hope was making Maura a cup of tea while Jane bathed. "You shouldn't be alone here, Maura. I don't like seeing you take this on without assistance. Where is Jane's mother? Your mother? You need help. You need to convince her to go to the hospital. As soon as possible."

Maura sat up straight. "Is she in danger? Is something wrong?"

Hope put a comforting hand to her arm. "No, honey, she's progressing normally. But she's stressed, and she's being stubborn. She's already in active labor. The longer she waits, the harder it's going to be to get her there. And if she's in too much pain to sit still for the epidural, or if she's too far along, they won't do the procedure. It will be too risky."

Maura drummed her fingers on the counter while she thought, then pulled out her phone and sent a text. It's time. Then she went upstairs to talk to Jane.

She found the bathroom steamy and the hot water running. "Jane! Hope said not to use hot water!" She rushed over and switched the faucet to cold to bring the temperature back down.

Jane swatted at her hand. "Stop it, Maura! She said hot water would stall the labor."

Maura turned the water off completely and sat on the edge of the tub, not caring about getting her clothes wet. "You're doing this on purpose? Why?"

Jane leaned back and closed her eyes. "I changed my mind. I don't want to have a baby."

Maura would have laughed if she weren't so angry. "Are you fucking kidding me, Jane? You think you can just keep her in there forever, if you just make the water hot enough?" She stood and started pacing, her hands flying. "You keep her too long and you won't have a baby. We won't have a baby. Too long past her due date and she runs the risk of infection or worse, stillbirth. If she gets too big, delivery will be that much harder and you may have to have a C-section, a major surgical procedure that could be avoided if you would just stop being so god damn stubborn and accept that you're in labor. She's coming, Jane, and you're not going to stop her."

Another contraction started and Jane's fist hit the rim of the tub. Her eyes squeezed shut and when it ended she looked at Maura with defiance, nostrils flaring. Her lower jaw shifted until she averted her eyes and swallowed her pride. "I can't do it."

Maura fell to her knees on the bath mat, her anger dissipating as quickly as it arose. "Yes, you can, Jane. We'll go to the hospital and Doctor Filer will be there and nurses and everyone and they'll help us. I'll be there the whole time. You'll get your epidural and it won't hurt so much. The sooner we go, the easier it will be. Please, Jane. Do it for me."

"No, I mean after that. I don't think I can be a mother."

"Oh, Jane." Maura put her hand on Jane's cheek and kissed her. "You honestly believe that you're not mothering material?"

Jane deflated. She looked away, down at her hands, knotted together over her middle. "You were listening."

"I had the baby monitor."

"I didn't mean for you to hear that."

Maura nodded. She thought that might be the case, but she wasn't sorry about it. "You did the right thing, Jane. Keeping her. Sharing her."

"Do you think we would be together if I didn't?"

"You know I don't like 'what if's."

"I hate not knowing how little things can have such big effects. The condom broke and I got called out to a case before I could get a pill. I was so distracted by work, I forgot. I forgot, Maur, and now there's a person, and we're together, and everything is changing."

Maura nodded. Do you regret it? She felt tears well up and her jaw tightened.

"What if I forget again? I could get wrapped up in a case and forget about her and she'd know. That she was an accident. She'd hate me."

Maura shook her head. "But she wasn't an accident. You chose her, just like you chose me. You could have come to me that day and asked me to go with you to the clinic, to drive you home after and keep you company while you mourned the loss of what might have been. But you didn't. You asked me to be her mother. With you."

Jane nodded hesitantly and Maura went on. "I'm scared, too, Jane, but you and I are smart, capable people. We can do this, together." Maura wasn't sure she completely believed herself, but she knew it was what Jane needed to hear. "I've seen you with TJ, you're a natural. You're warm and confident. It makes me want to give you a whole litter of children." Jane cracked a hesitant smile. "Like those dalmatian puppies."

Jane began to breathe heavily. She could feel the next contraction approaching and she didn't want to be dragged away by it. "Promise me." She took a few more breaths.

"As many as you want," Maura assured her confidently.

"No, I mean." Jane huffed, but this one didn't seem as bad as the last few. "Don't let me forget." A few more breaths and the pain subsided. She looked seriously at Maura. "Don't let me do something stupid. To change it. I don't want to go back."

"I promise."

Frost didn't know how it had all happened so quickly. One minute he was in Maura's kitchen chatting amiably with Dr. Martin, the next he was acting as a human shield, breaking up a fight between Jane and Maura's three mothers.

The Doc had been clear about his instructions: be on call to drive them to the hospital, then act as a guard to keep the family out of Jane's hair until the whole thing was over. He was happy to help with that, and relieved to know there was no chance of him being needed anywhere he might see blood. Or anything else he didn't want to know or think about. So as soon as he saw Ms. Rizzoli burst in through the back door, calling out to Jane like a madwoman, and Mrs. Isles hot on her heels saying something about missed calls and not leaving a message, he stepped in to stop them from going upstairs.

Dr. Martin shouted over them, trying to calm them down and explain that Jane was fine, in the bath, and getting ready to go to the hospital.

That was when Mrs. Isles turned her icy glare toward Dr. Martin, as if she'd only just noticed the other woman was in the room. "And what are you doing here?" She stepped closer, into Dr. Martin's personal space, and Frost attempted to intervene.

But it wasn't necessary. Dr. Martin stood up straighter and stuck her chin out. "Maura called me. She needed someone with experience."

Frost sucked in his breath, sorry he'd put himself in the middle of this drama. He ducked and tried to step back out of the fray.

Mrs. Isles' chin lifted and she looked down her nose at Dr. Martin. "You are now relieved."

"I'm relieved to have been of assistance while you," Dr. Martin's eyes shifted between Mrs. Isles and Mrs. Rizzoli, "were unavailable."

Frost took a few more steps back and found himself in the foyer. From there, he could see Dr. Isles and Jane making their way slowly down the stairs. The Doc nodded to him, then pointed her eyes toward a duffel bag by the door. As quietly as possible, he opened the front door and put the bag outside. Then he stood in the hall, trying to block any view of Jane and Dr. Isles sneaking by.

None of the mothers seemed to even notice. Dr. Martin and Mrs. Isles were having a stare-down and Mrs. Rizzoli's back was to Frost. Finally, he heard Mrs. Isles sigh and admit, "No one is perfect."

Dr. Martin nodded her head and tugged on the hem of her jacket, smoothing out non-existent wrinkles. "On that we can agree. And perhaps we can all do our best to make amends for our failures. That we might be forgiven."

Mrs. Isles nodded solemnly. "We can certainly try."

Jane had just made it out the door and Maura shoved Frost out, too, holding her finger up to indicate she would join them in just a minute.

Frost held his free hand out in case his partner needed it.

She snorted at him and tossed her head. "I'm not an invalid," she said. But then she grimaced and took his arm anyway, digging her fingertips into his forearm. She didn't move for what felt like forever, and just when Frost began to panic, she sighed.

He opened his mouth to ask if she was ok, but she preempted it by saying, "I'm fine." She dropped his arm and waddled over to the back door of his unmarked, then turned back around to face him, pointing her finger menacingly. "You say one word about any of this to anyone and I swear to God, I will rearrange your face." Frost grinned, happy to see his partner was still the surly hellcat he knew and loved, and zippered his lips shut.

It was close to midnight when Jane was able to begin to relax. They'd checked into the hospital and Maura had persuaded the staff that Jane needed her pain relief now. The walking epidural was a combination of low-dose drugs that numbed just her abdomen, so she could still feel her legs and the contractions, but the pain was drastically abated. She was finally able to think about something other than ohmygod this hurts and Iwantittobe overrrr. Now that Jane could think clearly again, and Maura could attend to things besides pain management, they were both excited about Echo's arrival.

"How long do you think it's going to be?" Jane wondered, watching Maura unfold and refold Jane's sweats before putting them into the hospital room drawer. "Are we really going to be here long enough to unpack?"

"It could take several more hours, plus recovery time." Maura paused to look up at Jane, trying to hide her smile. "I hope it's soon."

Jane grinned. "Me too." She rubbed her belly. "We should probably let the rest of the family sleep, though, huh? Even if she comes in the middle of the night?"

Maura looked at her quizzically.

"You know, they can meet her in the morning?"

Maura shook her head. "I don't see any reason to keep it from them. I don't think they'll be able to sleep very well anyway. Those chairs don't look very comfortable."

Now it was Jane's turn to be confused.

"In the waiting room." Maura pointed in the direction of the labor and delivery unit family waiting area.

"They're here? Everyone?" It seemed ridiculous. MGH was only a few blocks from Maura's house. Surely they would be more comfortable at home.

"Our mothers. Hope. Frankie. Frost. That's all." Maura spoke plainly, but Jane could see the hint of emotion that betrayed how overcome she felt with support. "They wanted to be here in case we need them."

Jane decided against asking Maura to tell them to go home. Even if Jane didn't feel like she needed them, Maura was comforted to know they were there. She grinned, knowing how much family meant to Maura and that Jane was able to give that to her. "It's nice to have family nearby."

Maura nodded shyly. "They've already been wonderful. Each one of them. More so than I anticipated."

"Ma hasn't been pestering you?" Jane imagined her mother pacing the living room, offering up unsolicited old wives' tales and advice for dealing with labor pains.

Maura smiled and shrugged. "She's your mother. She worries. Frankie and Detective Frost are both there to run interception."

Jane's lips pursed, amused at Maura's mistake. Interference. "I should talk to her. Tell her I'm ok, you know?" Jane hesitated, remembering how Maura had balked the last time Jane suggested allowing Angela into the labor room. "Would that bother you?"

"I—" Maura had forgotten about that debate. "Why would that bother me?"

"I dunno, you didn't seem so keen on having her here when I first suggested it."

Maura's mouth hung open in a rare moment of speechlessness.

"I thought since you were nervous, she might be able to help. But that idea just seemed to make you even more nervous." When Jane saw a glimmer of recognition on Maura's face, but received no explanation, she added, "I like that it's just us here now, but I don't want you to feel like you have to do it all yourself."

Maura sighed audibly. All that worry seemed light years away, even though only an hour ago she had been using every iota of authority she had to demand attentive care for her… her… Jane. There were still hurdles for them to cross, and a lot of pushing to be done, but somehow Maura knew the worst of it was over. It was the kind of feeling that started in her gut and filled her lungs and spread the corners of her lips into a smile. The worry was gone, and all that was left was anticipation. Excitement. They were going to have a baby.

Maura tossed her head to the side, trying to clear her thoughts. Jane was waiting for a response. Or an explanation. "I was worried that I wouldn't be enough." The idea seemed ridiculous now. "That I'd fail you somehow. That I wouldn't know what to do and… that I'd need help." Maura laughed at herself. Of course I would need help. She felt tears welling up, unexplained tears that had something to do with falling and being caught by gentle hands before hitting the ground. Unable to speak, she settled for grazing Jane's mandible with her thumb and kissing her forehead.

Jane didn't know what to think, but she saw the growing emotion and tried to make it better. "You're more than enough for me." She pulled Maura's hand from her cheek and kissed the fingertips.

Maura stood tall again. I know. She smiled and sighed. "I think you should talk to her." Maura nodded and started toward the door.

"Maura?" Jane called out, halting her. "While you're out there…"

Maura looked back to see Jane biting her lip. "Anything you want, I can get it."

Jane grinned. "I know it's against the rules, but I'm really hungry."

Angela knocked softly on the door before letting herself in. When Maura had come into the waiting room looking content and relaxed, she'd thought it was all over, that it was the fastest delivery on record. Everyone did; the whole room stood in their excitement. But of course it wasn't. Maura explained that Jane was drugged up and feeling much better, and wanted to see her mother. It's about time, Angela thought.

Every time she looked at Jane, Angela marveled. From the first moment she laid eyes on her daughter, her first-born, her beautiful girl, with the lanky limbs and wild hair and lion heart, Angela was in awe of life. That she and Frank could create something so magnificent as this person. Most women, after nineteen hours of laboring, would look haggard. Bags under their eyes, ratty hair, pure exhaustion. And Jane was tired, clearly, but she was happy. That welcoming smile made all the difference.

Angela sighed happily, finally able to let go of her worry. She reflected her daughter's smile, but only for a moment. Approaching the bed, she swatted at Jane's leg. "What's the matter with you, huh? Making your mother worry all day long, while you're here sitting pretty all hopped up on drugs? I was going crazy out there," one arm flew toward the door, "thinking you were so miserable you couldn't even see your mother!" She swatted Jane's leg again, harder this time.

"Ow, Ma!" Jane recoiled and laughed at the same time. "Lay off, alright? I'm not completely numb."

Angela swatted a third time, for good measure. "Good, so you can feel this? This is just the beginning, baby, because soon you're going to be a mother and you'll be in for nothing but heartache watching her grow up and not need you anymore." Angela's tirade tapered off near the end, but she gave one more half-hearted swat.

"Ma."

"What?" Angela snapped, then lowered her eyes to the floor and pursed her lips in defiance.

"Do you want to hug me?"

Angela made eye contact but didn't stop pouting. Jane was amused and Angela didn't like it. But the offer was impossible to resist. She nodded.

Jane scooted over and patted the empty space next to her. Angela sat and leaned back, lifting her arm around Jane, who cuddled in.

Angela kissed the top of Jane's head. "I like what Maura has done to you."

"What, knocked me up?"

Angela peered down at Jane. Do I need to review the birds and the bees with this girl? She shook her head. That would have to wait until later. "She made you happy, sweetie."

Jane's head lolled contentedly. "Yeah."

Angela squeezed. "And now I get to hug you!"

"Ma!" Jane protested, squeezing her eyes shut, but she didn't push her mother away. "It's a one-time deal, ok? Just because I shut you out all day."

"I know, I know. Too much excitement."

"I probably woulda smacked you if you'd been there earlier. I made Maura cry and I'm pretty sure I swore at both her mothers."

Angela chuckled. "Yeah, they mentioned that. Constance was impressed."

Jane laughed, too. "Really? Are they— How are they doing? Is Maura going to need a ref's whistle?"

Angela waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, they're going to be fine. You know, Hope isn't a threat anymore, now that everyone knows Maura is Doyle's daughter. It's just hard for Constance to let go of all those years of…"

"Worry."

Angela nodded.

"I'm in good hands, you know. Maura's the best."

"I know, sweetie. It's just hard to let go."

Jane had all but fallen asleep in her mother's arms when there was another soft knock on the door.

Maura let herself in and closed the door behind her. "I don't want to interrupt, but Cailin is here. She has something for you." Maura looked like a first-time cat burglar, all wide-eyed and twitchy.

"Ohhh kayyy…"

"Is it alright if I let her in?" Maura was using a stage-whisper.

"Yeah, Maura, sure."

Cailin was carrying a messenger bag, but she had it sideways, holding it flat in both hands. She smiled shyly at Jane and nodded at Angela. "Hey." Then she set the bag down on the dresser and pulled out a small, flat cardboard box. The aroma of pepperoni and melted cheese filled the room and Jane started to salivate.

Jane sat up and reached out for her gift. "Welcome to the family, little sis."

It was after one in the morning and the pizza was long gone. Jane ate as much as she could before the nurse came by to check the monitors, then donated the rest to the waiting room, to supplement the two loaded pies Cailin had brought for the rest of the family. They were now as comfortable as possible, sprawled around the lounge, the Rizzolis telling family stories and Constance and Hope each throwing in an occasional memory of their daughters.

Jane and Maura were on their own again, anxiously awaiting their daughter's arrival. Jane was four centimeters dilated and the contractions were still dulled by the medication. She wished Maura would calm down and relax with her, but Maura continued to bustle about the room. Although she felt too excited to sleep, she knew that if Maura would lie down with her, she could at least try to get a few winks. "Maura," Jane held out her hand and wiggled her fingers.

Maura was examining the monitors and wouldn't make eye contact. "Do you need something, Jane?"

"Yeah." Jane waited for Maura to look at her. She raised her eyebrows and smiled, then wiggled her fingers some more. It worked. Maura left the monitors and came over to Jane, linking their fingers together. Appeased, Jane smiled and scooted over on the bed, making room for Maura.

Maura hesitated. "Oh, I shouldn't— There's not enough room. You need to be comfortable."

Jane tugged on her fingers. "Sleep with me, Maura. Please. You must be tired, too."

Maura slipped off her shoes and climbed into the bed. They were both fast asleep within minutes.

It wasn't a sound sleep for long. Every so often a nurse would come in to check the monitors. Several times through the night, Jane was woken so she could spread her legs and let Dr. Filer check her progress. In effort not to wake Maura, she did so without argument.

Just as the window was beginning to lighten with the break of day, Jane woke again, to bustling activity. People were setting up equipment, unfolding sterile sheets, arranging carts around her, and Maura was gone. Jane blinked a few times, trying to get her bearings. Her heart rate accelerated. She scanned the faces, looking for Maura's, only to be greeted by a nurse she recognized from the night before, but whose name she couldn't remember.

"Good morning, Jane! You're getting close now. It's almost time to push!" The woman was excited. Jane was not.

Before Jane could ask for Maura, black scrubs and an impeccable blonde ponytail emerged from the bathroom, smiling the same way she used to when she showed up at Jane's apartment for an early morning run. "Ready?" She picked up Jane's hand.

Jane nodded, smiling. I am now.

Jane lost her words during delivery. They'd ask her questions and all she could do was shake her head 'no' or nod 'yes.' Maura, who always seemed to have an endless supply, filled in for her.

You're doing so well, Jane.

Squeeze my hand, darling.

I love you.

You're almost there, sweetheart.

Oh my god, she has black hair, just like you.

I love you, Jane.

One more, you can do this.

Breathe, sweetheart.

I'm right here.

I love you so much, Jane.

Oh my god, Jane, she's perfect.

Good morning, Eleanor.

And then Maura lost her words, too.

Ten fingers, ten toes, a mighty roar, and a cone-shaped head full of black hair. She was pink and loud and perfect and she made tiny fists with tiny hands and she curled up and quieted in her mothers' arms.

They would never be done admiring her. Eventually the crowd of hospital staff cleared the room and they were left to themselves, just the three (three) of them. She was swaddled and given a hat, warmed and comforted by her mama's familiar embrace. Together they watched her sleep, and it was more love than they could contain in that little room. They decided to let the rest of the family in.

Maura found Detective Korsak slumped in a chair in the hallway. He had nodded off, but startled when he heard the door open. "Doc? Need something?"

Maura just beamed at him and shook her head.

Korsak stood and straightened his clothes. "Is she…"

"She's wonderful. They're both…" She shook her head again and her wide smile spoke the words she couldn't. She felt tears forming so instead of trying to explain, she stepped back and opened the door for him, intending to leave him with Jane while she fetched the rest of the family.

He hesitated in the doorway, but when Jane looked up at him and smiled, he was encouraged forward. "Oh, Jane. I'm so proud of you."

Maura was snuggled into the crook of Jane's arm when she first heard it. It was the most heavenly of places, where she could wrap one ankle over Jane's, and smell the faint odor of her sweat. The gentle rise and fall of Jane's chest and the accompanying rasp of her breathing. And the tickle of her hair on Maura's cheek.

Maura shifted slightly and adjusted her arm a little tighter around Jane's ribs; her midsection was already smaller than the day before, but there was a long way to go before she was back to her normally lithe figure. Jane kissed the top of Maura's head in response. Maura was so comfortable, and the noise so small, whatever it was would not draw her from Jane's embrace.

But it sounded again, a tiny squeak and a gasp, and with the realization Maura's eyes opened, immediately alert. She quietly but quickly got up, careful not to wake Jane, and hovered over the baby as she rubbed sanitizer over her hands. The baby stirred again, opening her eyes, and although she wouldn't be able to focus at that distance for a few months, Maura got the feeling she was being recognized. A tiny hand swatted at the air, seemingly reaching out.

She squeaked again and Maura picked her up, carefully nestling her head in one bent elbow. The baby's mouth opened and closed like a fish twice, then just hung open, as if she were deciding whether to wail or to go back to sleep. Was she hungry or just wanting affection? When her head turned and her cheek rested against Maura's breast, Maura knew she was hooked. Anything this child wanted, Maura would move heaven and earth to give her.

Maura began to cry. They were silent tears of joy, but her sniffles were audible and Jane groaned, "More." Maura turned to see what Jane needed. Her arm was stretched over the empty space in the hospital bed, fingers wiggling. Not more. Maur.

"I'm here, Jane." Still holding the baby, she sat on the bed and Jane turned on her side to pull her in close. Her nose pressed against Maura's side and her knees bent to curl around her. Wrapped her in love.

"Story, Maur." Jane was still curled up tightly against Maura, but she had one eye open in challenge.

Maura sighed and looked up to the ceiling for inspiration. She might as well start at the beginning.

Maura silently recited her childhood ballet teacher's words, "Tuck your derrière down, engage your abdominal muscles, shoulders back, spine extended, grow an inch. Imagine a string from the top of your head holding you up." She took a deep breath and knocked three times just below the number 12.

Detective Rizzoli had been in recovery for over a month, and Maura missed her presence in the morgue. Even the queen of the dead had heard the reports of what had transpired in that basement and during the few hours after Detective Korsak's rescue, but few people knew how she had been doing in the time since. Instead of inviting rumors, Maura decided to go to the source. She took a risk and visited her colleague at home.

When Detective Rizzoli swung the door open and saw Maura, there there was a momentarily arched eyebrow. Her gaze plummeted to Maura's Louboutins and crawled back up, stumbling over navy blue-clad hips and stopping completely at black leather lapels. Finally she made eye contact again and raised both eyebrows. "Doc. Did we have a date?"

"No." Maura peered over the detective's shoulder, into her apartment. It was a mess, shipping boxes and dirty dishes everywhere. The detective turned and walked back inside, leaving the door open. Maura interpreted that as an invitation to enter. She cleared some space on the edge of the sofa and perched there, nervously hoping Jane would initiate a conversation.

Jane had stretched out and put her feet up on the coffee table, nudging aside an empty beer bottle. "I'm not always like this, you know."

"Like what?" It wasn't a lie, it was a question. But Maura knew exactly what Jane was referring to.

"A slob. I mean, yeah, I'm a slob. But I'm not this much of a slob."

Maura just nodded curtly.

"How did you get my address?"

Maura shrugged. "Personnel files."

Jane sighed, not having any luck with Maura's short responses. She tried to drop a hint that their 'conversation' was over and she wanted to be alone. "Well, thanks for the chocolate!"

"You're welcome." Maura didn't budge.

Jane renewed her efforts to talk. "Is everything ok at work?"

"Satisfactory."

"Just 'satisfactory?' What's wrong? Is someone giving you a hard time?"

Maura pursed her lips and studied Jane, trying to gauge the risk she was taking by being there. "Are we friends, Detective Rizzoli?"

Jane bristled. "Don't call me that. I'm not a detective until my doctor clears me for duty." She unconsciously rubbed at the palm of her right hand. The bandages and stitches were gone, but the scars were bright pink, fresh. She hadn't been able to hold a firearm since; when she'd visited a private shooting range early in recovery (against doctor's orders), she'd busted her stitches.

"I'm sorry," Maura stood and smoothed her skirt out, readying to leave.

Suddenly faced with the prospect of getting her wish, Jane didn't want her to go. She sat up and caught Maura's hand. "Call me Jane."

Maura smiled tentatively and tried it out. "Jane."

"If I can call you Maura."

"Yes, of course." She sat down again and glanced at Jane's hands. "Pain during healing is caused by adhesions in the scar tissue. It can be relieved by myofascial release."

Jane looked down at her hands. "It doesn't hurt."

Maura raised her eyebrows dubiously.

"Maybe a little."

Maura smirked and reached for Jane's hand without asking. Jane resisted at first, confused by the doctor's erratic attention to personal boundaries. Maura started gently pulling at the skin, massaging out the tension.

"What're you doing?"

"Myofascial release. To relieve the pain."

Jane examined Maura again, taking in her straight back and crossed ankles. There was something intriguing about this woman. The way she feigned confidence, using expensive clothes and big words to hide something Jane imagined to be worth uncovering. Jane felt the corners of her mouth curl. She wanted to figure her out. Know her. "You don't have many friends, do you?"

Maura paused a moment, keeping her eyes focused on their three hands. She shook her head once, then resumed.

Jane's eyes narrowed and she dug a little deeper. "Any?"

"No." She said it lightly, as if Jane had asked whether she'd ever been to Alaska. "But I'd like to, someday."

Jane chuckled and squeezed Maura's thumbs where they lay on her scar. "Let's make it today, why don't we?" Maura looked up from their hands to Jane's face, seeing her zygomatics major and risorius engaged: she was happy.